Impact Makers Podcast with Jennifer McClure

Quit the Cubicle with Mike Kim

Mike Kim is one of those guys who doesn’t need much of an
introduction. He’s been an online force with his blog and podcast,
and the wisdom he freely shares about his experience in leaving
corporate America to become an entrepreneur. Today, Jennifer and
Mike talk about that journey and what you can learn from it,
whether you’re just starting a business or you’re well into it.

Mike shares the story of how he escaped the cubicle. It started
with a simple question: is this the life I want in 15 years? He
didn’t quit his job cold turkey like many others have done.
Instead, he had a strategy to gently sidestep from the corporate
life into one where he could do what he enjoys.

Mike had a unique opportunity to grow his brand while growing
his employer’s brand – even though he wasn’t educated in marketing.
He hustled and read all he could, and what he learned from his own
blog, he applied to his employer’s strategy – and vice versa. This
opened the door for Mike to step away from the cubicle.

Have you ever heard of Mike’s ‘sadistic selfie?’ It’s an
antidote to the kool-aid that corporations serve at parties and
quarterly meetings, where everything is viewed through rose-colored
glasses. Even though he was paid well and did good work, it just
wasn’t fulfilling. Mike explains how a dose of truth is what
finally pushed him to do something else with his life.

If you want to get out of cubicle nation and you want to share
your ideas, this is what makes you a thought leader. It’s also
where a lot of really brilliant people get stuck. Mike shares
exactly what you need to do to make the step that will take you
from brilliant to brilliant and successful.

Mike didn’t just quit his 6 figure job cold turkey. Instead, he
created a plan that required a small amount of sacrifice. He would
continue with his day job until his side business income hit a
certain level. Mike also had a plan for how to learn to make money
from his audience. Could Mike’s strategy also work for you?

As an entrepreneur, you have four freedoms: time, money,
people, purpose. These four freedoms enable you to do amazing work.
If you aren’t sure what you want to be doing, Mike has three
questions for you: what ticks you off, what breaks your heart, and
what’s the big problem you’re trying to solve? Understanding the
freedoms and the questions is essentially mapping your path as an
entrepreneur.

Jennifer and Mike are both plugged into the world around them
in terms of how they can learn and grow. Mike shares his best
secret, one that he still uses to this day. Look for someone who is
living the way you want to live. Then follow them, learn from them,
and while you won’t become them, you’ll become a better version of
you.

Like Mike’s Influence and Impact event? He shares what the
future of the event will be – or what he hopes it will be. He
admits to dreaming big but if anyone can make it happen, it’s Mike
Kim.

Do you want to spend your personal and professional time making
a lasting impact on others? Do you want to be the kind of leader
that people love? Subscribe today and we will
bring you new ways to change the world every single week.

About the Podcast

The Impact Makers Podcast with Jennifer McClure is a weekly podcast for people who are interested in making a positive difference in the world not only through their work, but also through how they choose to live their lives.